How to Install Fonts on Mac OSX

Typography and fonts, when used appropriately, can have an amazing effect on visual elements including photos and websites. As a photographer turned web designer, I’ve gone down the typography wormhole numerous times, finding myself scrolling endlessly through sites such as Font Squirrel and Da Font, searching for the right fonts that give the proper pizazz to the design element I’m working on. One thing that I found myself constantly having to Google as a result was how to install these brand new fonts onto my Mac Book Pro. As always, there’s a different procedure if you’re using a Windows computer, but here is a quick guide to downloading and installing fonts onto a Mac.

Step 1: Find the font you want to use.

There’s a ton of resources for fonts online, and many can be used free for personal and commercial use. Navigate to that site and find a font you like.

Step 2: Download the font.

Once you find a font you like, there should be an option to Download it. In this Font Squirrel example, there’s a nice big blue Download OTF button to click on.

Step 3: Extract the font.

The font will usually be downloaded in a ZIP file. Locate that ZIP file and double click to unzip or extract. The result should be a folder with your font available as a .otf file.

Step 4: Install the font.

Double click on the .otf font file you want to install. A pop up window will appear. Click on the Install Font button in the lower right corner. The Font Book window should then open up, displaying your newly installed font.

Step 5: Start using your font!

Your new font should now be available to use in pretty much any program on your Mac. If you don’t see your new font appear, try restarting your computer.